Assistant Director – Camp Deeny Riback

Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ; West Orange (NJ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403b retirement savings

Paid time off

Free fitness center

Employee discounts

Job summary

JCC MetroWest is seeking an Assistant Director to lead staffing, training, and camp programming year‑round, with hands-on supervision of part‑time staff and a visible summer presence guiding program delivery and operations.

The role requires evenings, weekends, and occasional overnights, and collaborates across departments to ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging Jewish camp experience for all families and campers. Strong leadership and communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Strong leadership, staff development, and program assessment capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with families, staff, and campers.
• Ability to oversee multiple priorities and supervise large seasonal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention for 200+ seasonal staff; partner with colleges and agencies.
• Plan pre-camp orientation and ongoing staff training on care, behavior, inclusion, and leadership.
• Direct year‑round programming and ensure curricula meet safety, quality, and Jewish identity goals.
• Support budgeting, purchasing, and partner coordination to reflect organizational mission.

Skills

Leadership

Staffing

Program development

Communication

Problem solving

Relationship-building

Tools

Microsoft Office

CampMinder

Job description

Position Overview

The Assistant Director is a year-round leader responsible for seasonal staffing, staff training and development, and camp programming. This role supervises designated part-time staff responsible for programming, family communication, camper enrollment, and staff onboarding. In the summer, the Assistant Director is a visible senior leader who supports supervisors, manages daily staffing needs, oversees program delivery, and leads camp when the Camp Director is unavailable. The role requires evening work, extended days, weekends and overnights as needed. Responsibilities may evolve with the needs of CDR and JCC MetroWest.

Key Responsibilities

Staffing and Staff Development

• Lead recruitment, hiring, placement, onboarding, engagement, and retention for more than 200 seasonal staff; build pipelines through colleges, community partners, alumni, and domestic and international staffing agencies.
• Track staffing needs and hiring progress; coordinate interviews and placements with camp leadership and work with Human Resources to complete required paperwork, checks, and certifications.
• Plan and lead pre-camp orientation and ongoing training in camper care, behavior management, inclusion, communication, supervision, Jewish values, and leadership. Coach supervisors on performance, feedback, team development, and staff concerns.
• Build systems for off-season connection, recognition, professional growth, and retention.

Program Leadership

• Lead year-round planning, implementation, and evaluation of programming across age groups and specialty areas, including theme days, special events, trips, Jewish programming, and signature camp experiences.
• Supervise the Program Assistant, seasonal program leaders, and specialty staff; ensure schedules, goals, curricula, equipment, supplies, and resources support high-quality experiences.
• Develop engaging, age-appropriate, inclusive activities for campers with different interests, abilities, and support needs. Observe programs, gather feedback, and improve or redesign offerings.
• Assist with program budgets, purchasing, vendors, educators, trip providers, and partners; ensure programming reflects CDR’s mission and Jewish identity.

Year-Round Team Supervision

• Set goals and timelines, hold regular check‑ins, coach staff, and maintain accountability for designated part‑time employees responsible for programming, family communication, enrollment, and onboarding.
• Monitor these processes, improve workflows and cross‑team coordination, and ensure families and staff receive timely, accurate, welcoming communication.

Summer Camp Leadership

• Be present throughout camp to observe groups, activities, meals, transitions, and events; support program quality and know campers and staff.
• Manage daily absences, coverage, schedules, and reassignments; support Unit Leaders and supervisors with morale, evaluations, performance concerns, and personnel documentation.
• Collaborate with Camper Care, Health Center, Operations, Aquatics, and program teams; support seasonal payroll and international staff logistics.
• Respond to emergencies and changing needs, assume leadership when the Camp Director is unavailable, and support opening, closing, late nights, overnights, trips, and Sunday events as required.

Families Community and Camp Culture

• Support camper recruitment and retention through relationships with families, tours, open houses, camp fairs, and JCC and community programs; help address summer family concerns and act on feedback.
• Create a joyful, welcoming Jewish camp environment; help staff integrate Jewish values, traditions, Israel engagement, and inclusion into programs and Shabbat experiences.
• After each summer, evaluate staffing, training, programs, and systems with the leadership team and set priorities for the next season. Maintain accurate records, protect confidential information, and participate in relevant professional development.

Available Benefits

Available Benefits include health, dental, vision, life, 403b retirement savings plan, paid time off, free fitness center membership and employee discounts.

About JCC MetroWest

JCC MetroWest has served the community for over 149 years, offering inclusive educational, social, cultural, recreational and wellness programs in a welcoming and supportive environment.

All applicants for employment shall be considered without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Skills required

• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, organization, judgment, and problem‑solving skills; knowledge of child and adolescent development and comfort managing multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn CampMinder and other systems; ability to give and receive feedback and work independently and collaboratively.

Required Qualifications

• Approximately 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in camp, youth programming, recreation, education, or a related field; supervisory, hiring, training, and program development experience.
• Energetic, mature, approachable presence; genuine interest in working with children, families, and staff; ability to work on-site in Flanders throughout the summer and work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and occasional overnights.

Preferred:

Experience in camp leadership, supervision of year‑round and large seasonal teams, international staffing, programming across age groups, CampMinder and/or experience in Jewish camping, communal work, or informal Jewish education. Jewish experience is preferred, not required.